Durcan handed Ellens ride

Ted Durcan was today handed back the mount on Wokingham Stakes favourite Ellens Academy.

The dual champion jockey of Dubai takes over from Carl Lowther, who steered the gelding to a six-length victory at Doncaster last time out.

He will be seeking a first Royal Ascot win on the six-year-old who tops the Tote`s betting on Friday`s Stg#100,000 handicap at 8-1.

Durcan was on board when Ellens Academy was a fast-finishing fifth at York last month, since when riding tactics have been changed.

'We used to think he needed holding up but that was the wrong thing to do,' said trainer Eric Alston. 'He doesn`t need cover, he needs daylight.

'He may have a job finding some with 30 runners at Ascot, especially as he tends to miss the kick. But he is working well and in super form.'

Durcan will also ride stable-companion Tedburrow in Thursday`s Cork And Orrery Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Michael Kinane has been booked to renew his partnership with Wokingham second favourite Capricho, having been on board when the gelding finished a place ahead of Ellens Academy in fourth at York.

But trainer William Haggas` wife Maureen reckons the 10-1 offered about his chance is 'ridiculous'.

'He is fine but he is a ridiculous price,' she said.

'There are so many variables. You have got to have a good draw and luck in running _ it is hard to have a `good thing` for the race.'

The pair are among 82 horses confirmed at the five-day stage for the Wokingham, which is traditionally one of the biggest betting races of the year.

Frankie Dettori will ride Ed Dunlop`s 1999 winner Deep Space, with Kieren Fallon on the same trainer`s Candleriggs, who is part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tote betting: 8-1 Ellens Academy, 10-1 Capricho, Seven No Trumps, 11-1 Nice One Clare, 12-1 Deep Space, 14-1 Candleriggs, Misraah, 20-1 bar.